Pittsburgh Ballet Opens ‘The Great Gatsby’; 58th World of Wheels at DLCC; (Fri., 2/8/19)

Alejandro Diaz and Hannah Carter dance a romantic scene from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Great Gatsby.’ (photo: Duane Rieder)

1) You read it in school; now see the ballet. East Egg, West Egg, Roaring Twenties angst, and adultery aplenty all come to life as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dances The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel has been adapted many times in multiple media, notably in the 2013 Baz Luhrmann film with Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, the glamorous millionaire in love with a woman married to man who runs around with other women. It’s a story of idealism and excess dissolving into tragedy—which seems to be a recurring pattern of Western civilization—and, since the theme is embodied in personal drama, it also lends itself to dance. The Great Gatsby has been made into more than one ballet. This one is choreographed by Canadian dance artist Jorden Morris, familiar to PBT audiences for his previous ballets Peter Pan and Moulin Rouge. Music by composer Carl Davis, played by the PBT Orchestra. Attendees can expect a Jazz Age aura and are not required to write term papers. 8 p.m. Performances continue through February 17. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (MV)

2) The 58th Annual World of Wheels opens today and runs through Sunday. At the show, also known as Autorama and Cavalcade of Customs. Weekend highlights include: NASCAR racer Tony Stewart, WWE wrestler Roman Reigns, drag racing cars, a motorcycle fashion show, a pinball tournament, acoustic music performances, vendors, demonstrations and even “The Dukes of Hazzard’s John Schneider. Today  3 – 10 p.m. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Downtown.

3) RUN FOR YOUR WIFE by Ray Cooney. Feb. 7-9, Greensburg Civic Theatre. Nothing in show business may match the twin achievements of Ray Cooney’s Run for Your Wife. The 1983 stage comedy was a huge hit, playing in London’s West End for nine years. Then the movie—made much later; released in 2013—became one of history’s great film flops. (Critics’ comments included “as funny as leprosy” and “worst British film ever.”)  Greensburg Civic Theatre is banking on a live revival. 8 p.m. The group stages Run for Your Wife at 951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg. (MV)

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